Sustainable Urban Transport Policy Research Articles

Sustainable propulsion technology selection in penultimate mile delivery using the FullEX-AROMAN method

Sustainable transport is the priority for future cities and society. It is necessary to make sustainable urban transport policies to mitigate the harmful effects of current transportation systems. One of the essential issues in making cities cleaner is the propulsion technology of light commercial vehicles (LCVs). Most of the LCVs are compressed natural gas (CNG) and diesel-powered. However, cleaner, sustainable power sources, such as hydrogen, hybrid, solar, and electric have appeared in the market. This paper addresses the selection of propulsion technology for LCVs up to 3.5 tones for the Czech Post vehicle fleet. In this study, three main pillars are considered: economic, socio-environmental, and technical. Czech Post currently uses CNG-powered vehicles to transport shipments in penultimate mile delivery. The integrated FullEX-alternative ranking order method accounting for the two-step normalization (AROMAN) approach selects the best sustainable propulsion technology for the Czech Post vehicle fleet. The FullEX method identifies the criteria weights, while the AROMAN method ranks propulsion technologies. The results of the integrated approach reveal that the best propulsion technology for penultimate mile delivery is electrically powered, followed by hydrogen, hybrid, and CNG. A comparative analysis with other multi-criteria decision-making methods is also performed. The results confirm that the electrically powered solution is the best. The sensitivity analysis is carried out. The FullEX-AROMAN shows high resilience.

Designing user-centric transport strategies for urban road space redistribution

Cities worldwide are geared to promote economic growth, improve accessibility, address environmental issues, and enhance the quality of life. However, the processes that lead to the design of urban roads, particularly the space distribution, reflect the inequalities existing in the fabric of our society. Motorists often have shorter travel time and more space than passengers of other modes. Furthermore, the existing transport appraisal and planning tools that frame sustainable transport policies fall short of considering the dimension of social justice. Therefore, our urban transport systems are essential areas for advancing sustainability through a transport justice-based approach to planning that can pivot the distribution of infrastructure investments over different social groups and transport modes. This study proposes such an approach by which such suitable urban transport strategies can be identified, co-created with users and appraised while considering the commuters’ needs. Specifically, the interaction between the multidimensional characteristics of sustainability and the principles of transport justice are investigated. The proposed approach is applied to London and Birmingham. The results show that a transparent and holistic approach to integrating users within transport planning is an effective way to reflect diverse needs and local circumstances and thereby ensure a just transition to sustainable urban transport policies. The results from the case studies highlight a strong rationale for the centrality of justice in any urban transport planning and policy making efforts, particularly in the allocation of road space.

A Systematic Review of the Role of Road Network Pricing in Shaping Sustainable Cities: Lessons Learned and Opportunities for a Post-Pandemic World

The growing number of studies on road network pricing requires adoption of systematic methodologies to assess research outcomes and provide an unbiased summary of research findings and lessons learned. This paper aims to identify and analyse primary studies related to a set of research questions on road network pricing that primarily address the effectiveness of road network pricing as a travel demand management strategy. The paper achieves this by consolidating the fragmented evidence on the topic and identifying the role of transport pricing in steering our post-pandemic cities on a path of sustainable urban mobility. The paper uses a reliable and auditable systematic approach to examine past and current research trends, resulting in a rational assessment of the role and impacts of road network pricing as a travel demand management strategy. The paper achieves this by performing a bibliometric citation analysis that identifies 105 articles of valuable research contributions that represent fundamental knowledge in the development of research covering the period between 2007 and 2020. Importantly, the review identifies four main research themes in the literature, namely implementation impacts, innovations in technology, acceptability, and modelling methodologies for determining impacts, that are core elements of the research effort on the travel demand management and sustainability aspects of road pricing. Inductive reasoning is then used to address emerging issues, applications, and the effects of road network pricing in reducing congestion and enhancing urban centre environmental quality. The paper concludes with a discussion of policy directions for overcoming barriers to the implementation of road network pricing as an effective strategy for addressing modern-day urban mobility challenges such as rising urban populations, emissions, and pollution particularly amid and post COVID-19. Finally, the paper provides a roadmap of future research opportunities that can heighten the role of road network pricing in shaping the directions of sustainable urban transport policies and strategies.

Proposing a tool for assessing the level of maturity for the engagement of urban freight transport stakeholders: A comparison between Brazil, Norway, and Poland

Sustainable growth is a solution to reduce the negative effects of transport systems functioning in cities. It deals mainly with analysing the reasons for excessive exploitation and deterioration of the environment and specifying a strategy for limiting the process in the following areas: ecological, economic, social and cultural. The most effective activities in a sustainable urban transport policy combine all the aspects while minimising the costs connected with meeting the expected goals. Stakeholders' engagement is essential for the effectiveness of sustainable urban mobility plans. This paper proposes a tool for assessing the level of maturity of the engagement of urban freight transport stakeholders, comparing cities in Brazil, Poland and Norway. We proposed the minimum requirements of stakeholders' engagement and levels of maturity based on the literature. A comparative analyse was performed. The results indicate that Brazilian cities represent a low level of maturity, Polish cities represent intermediary level, and Norway cities, mainly Oslo, represent the more advanced level of maturity in the stakeholder’s engagement. The results also indicated that the cities with sustainable urban mobility plans represent the highest level of maturity in the stakeholder’s engagement.

Managing Sustainable Urban Public Transport Systems: An AHP Multicriteria Decision Model

The current combination of sustainable social awareness and the improved decision support systems, including multiple criteria decision models for sustainable development, creates the need for more efficient and accurate public policy decisions based on available technology. The continuous growth of urban public road transport in large cities, and therefore the worsening of air quality, along with recent economic crisis derived from the COVID-19 pandemic, is forcing public administrations to analyze the viability of current models, taking into consideration sustainable alternative energies. This study proposes a novel and consistent analytic hierarchy process (AHP) multicriteria decision-making (MCDM) model that combines both economic and environmental criteria, to evaluate public road transportation vehicles according to their alternative engine technologies and combustion characteristics. The proposed model has been applied to evaluate Madrid’s urban public road transport, based on 2020 data published by the Madrid City Council, compiled by authors, and assessed by a panel of 20 experts to identify criteria and factors included in the AHP-MCDM model. The findings illustrate the economic and environmental impact of alternative vehicles, show that the most sustainable alternative is the plug-in electric vehicle in economic and environmental terms, and assist policymakers and firms in future strategic decisions regarding sustainable urban transport policies.

Health considerations in active travel policies: A policy analysis at the EU level and of four member countries

Sustainable urban transport and active travel policies have the potential to positively and negatively impact health. They are critical to building healthy cities since they impact health determinants such as physical activity, air quality, noise, road safety, green spaces, social interaction and access to healthcare services. Such impacts translate into measurable health outcomes inherent to life expectancy as well as mortality and morbidity outcomes related to respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, accidents, mental health, and citizen's quality of life. Coherently with the Health in All Policies (HiAP) framework developed by the World Health Organization (WHO), the new version of the European Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan (SUMP) Guidelines features a topic guide linking transport and health. This paper assesses the inclusion of health provisions and methodologies in urban mobility policy and planning documents of four European cities using a multi-level perspective. It considers the adoption of Health Impact Assessment (HIA) tools to integrate health evidence, objectives and measures in the decision-making process. The establishment of a link between active mobility and environmental risk reduction is observed across the countries analyzed. HIAs have been carried out to evaluate the benefits of mobility measures on health only in some cases.

Sustainable Urban Transport Policies to Improve Public Transportation System: A Case Study of Bengaluru, India

Bengaluru, the Silicon Valley of India and one of the fastest growing metropolitan cities in India today is suffering from a severe issue of traffic congestion over last few years. The exponential growth of vehicles and population has resulted in uncontrolled emissions. The bus services by Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC), which is still the backbone of city’s public transit, is suffering from losses from last few years. For a city like Bengaluru, sustainable urban transit is a must and it can be achieved in the quickest and the least costly way by improving the ridership of existing public transport as a result of mode switch from private to public transport. This can be done by promoting the use of buses and discouraging the use of private vehicles simultaneously through various policies. This paper discusses about the few of those policies that can be implemented in order improve the ridership of BMTC and proves with the detailed analysis that such policies can result in reducing the overall vehicular emission in the city and, hence improving the sustainability. The paper shows that policies as simple as restructuring of bus fare can impact the ridership significantly and will prove to be the paths of moving towards livable Bengaluru.

Developing a sustainable urban transport policy in the & eld of supply in the face of the latest challenges

Transport of urban goods has a signifi cant impact on the lives of residents and the functioning of the local economy. At the same time, it creates numerous problems related to the impact on the environment and the surroundings. Thus, the distribution of goods in the city has a signifi cant impact on the lives of residents and tourists' impressions. Due to the fact that 25 percent EU emissions from transport come from urban areas, cities play a key role in mitigating the negative eff ects of transport. Many cities are currently implementing Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan (SUMP) that focus on people's mobility. In most cases, the distribution of goods is not mentioned in the SUMP or is mentioned briefl y. In the absence of clear guidelines for resolving urban transport issues, some cities have adopted various strategic documents and measures. In the absence of standardization of documents, it is diffi cult to compare them and determine the level of city advancement in the implementation of urban logistics measures. To overcome this problem, the EC initiated the concept of Sustainable Urban Logistics Plan (SULP). The article presents the structure and plan of implementing SULP.

Low-Carbon Quick Wins: Integrating Short-Term Sustainable Transport Options in Climate Policy in Low-Income Countries

In low income countries (LICs) in Africa and Asia per capita transport greenhouse gas emissions are relatively low but are expected to grow. Therefore, a substantial reduction in projected increases is required to bring emissions in line with long-term global climate objectives. Literature on how LICs are integrating climate change mitigation and sustainable transport strategies is limited. Key drivers of transport policy include improving accessibility, congestion, air quality, energy security, with reducing greenhouse gas emissions being of lower priority. This paper assesses the current status, feasibility and potential of selected low-carbon transport measures with high sustainable development benefits that can be implemented in the short to medium term, so- called ‘quick wins’. It examines to what extent ten such quick wins are integrated in climate change strategies in nine low- and middle-income countries in Africa and South Asia. The research method comprises expert interviews, an online questionnaire survey of experts and policymakers in the focus countries, and a review of literature and government plans. Results indicate that sustainable urban transport policies and measures are considered high priority, with vehicle-related measures such as fuel quality and fuel economy standards and electric two- and three-wheelers being of key relevance. In existing national climate change strategies, these quick wins are integrated to a certain extent; however, with better coordination between transport and energy and environment agencies such strategies can be improved. A general conclusion of this paper is that for LICs, quick wins can connect a ‘top-down’ climate perspective with a ‘bottom-up’ transport sector perspective. A knowledge gap exists as to the mitigation potential and sustainable development benefits of these quick wins in the local context of LICs.

A Method for the Evaluation of Urban Freight Transport Models as a Tool for Improving the Delivery of Sustainable Urban Transport Policy

The article presents a method which helps local authorities to evaluate urban freight transport models. Given the complex requirements for input data and the inability to supply them for most cities, a proper quantitative evaluation of model functionality may be quite difficult for local authorities. Freight transport models designed to support sustainable urban freight transport objectives are a particular example. To overcome these difficulties, the structure of the method is based on a qualitative analysis of strategic and operational conditions of urban freight management for modelling purposes. A consistent set of criteria is developed to help with parameterising strategic objectives and the analytical requirements of tools to achieve those objectives. The problems of data availability and capture are also included. The method consists of three tiers that are arranged hierarchically to reflect the interrelations. The proposed method was verified against Gdynia’s (Poland) urban freight management requirements. The city was chosen for its early experience of urban freight studies and improvement measures and because it has already defined its strategic objectives. Two comprehensive freight transport models (Freturb and Wiver) and existing city’s transport model were evaluated. The results have ruled out the existing transport model rendering it ineffective as a tool to support urban freight management to meet the city’s strategic objectives. While Freturb turned out to be much better suited for the needs, dedicated models still face a basic barrier of cities having to redesign their systems for collecting urban transport data.

Policy tools for sustainable transport in three cities of the Americas: Seattle, Montreal and Curitiba

Cities around the world are trying to implement transport policies to reduce the dramatic environmental impacts of motorized modes. There is no single method to determine the success of sustainable transport systems, but comparative studies can be illuminating despite inevitable data inconsistencies. This study brings to the forefront different styles of regulation and mix of policy tools used by cities that have been trying to implement sustainable transport systems. To this end, a classification scheme of policy instruments was developed based on asymmetries of information and legitimacy, generating four types of instruments: Self-regulative, Informative/Limited action, Proactive/Government and Interactive/Governance. Using 39 semi-structured interviews with key informants from different levels of government and stakeholders, this paper compares the instrument choice in terms of sustainable urban transport policy in Seattle, Montreal and Curitiba. The main conclusions drawn from our interviews is that the distinction between government/proactive instruments and governance/interactive instruments does not appear as dichotomous and clear as expected and that each city deploys somewhat different patterns of instrument choice, in accordance with its political and institutional context.

A new generation of buses to support more sustainable urban transport policies: A path towards “greener” awareness among bus stakeholders in Europe

EBSF, 3iBS, ZeEUS, EBSF_2 and ELIPTIC are research projects funded by the European Commission, with the aim of developing a new generation of buses across Europe. For all, the common task is two-pronged (i) it is necessary to develop innovative solutions to increase the attractiveness of this mode and (ii) to operate more environmentally-friendly vehicles. Prototypes with more comfortable and accessible internal layouts, advanced ITS-based solutions, new engines designed to save fuel and eco-driving are key working areas. The environmental concern is behind the majority of the tested innovations. These projects are based on demonstrators, that is the innovative measures are tested in real urban environments. The assessment is a classical before-vs-during the implementation of measures comparison. A transferability study is aimed to assess the theoretical exportability of the tested measures across Europe. Results so far stressed contrasting aspects within a common vision for the development of a new generation of buses: although stakeholders are willing to innovate bus fleets by introducing more sustainable propulsion systems, conventional modes are still favoured and the environmental concern is not a driver to export the tested measures. The objectives of the paper are to describe such outcomes, identify reasons which prevent a wider exploitation of cleaner buses, provide possible explanations and suggest recommendations to develop “green” awareness among bus stakeholders.

Neoliberal Rationality and Neohygienist Morality. A Foucaldian Analysis of Safe and Sustainable Urban Transport Policies in France

This article proposes to use Foucaldian analysis frameworks to inform us about neoliberalization, not so much from the viewpoint of political economics as in terms of the governance of individual behaviours. This theoretical ambition is based on the empirical analysis of contemporary policies in favour of safe, sustainable mobility in France. Characterized by the emphasis placed on users’ individual responsibility and their capacity to adopt economically rational behaviours on the one hand and by powerful moral injunctions for them to adopt the ‘right’ safe, healthy, sustainable behaviours on the other, a neoliberal and neohygienist rationality feeds these public policies. Legitimated by ‘noble causes’ and depoliticized, these policies give a powerful organization of traffic in the city whose social challenges are evaded. The use of morality works as a powerful democratic anesthetic that dissolves any objection. An examination of Safe and Sustainable Urban Transport Policies testifies to the renewed subtle, diffuse mechanisms of domination based on free compliance and consent.

Estimated Atmospheric Emission from Motor Transport in Moscow Based on Transport Model of the City

Motor transport is a main contributor to atmospheric air pollution in big cities. Estimation and forecast of harmful substances emission from motor transport is an important task in the framework of development of sustainable urban transport policy in big cities. Calculation method for motor transport emission inventory was developed by NIIAT taking into account of existing approaches (CORINAIR) and specific features of national motor fleet and traffic conditions. On the base of transport model of the city (Moscow), traffic data, data on congestions received from GPS tracks and data of traffic investigations there were made calculations of existing motor transport emission. In calculation there were also used the existing data on motor fuels environmental quality. The results of calculations gave the existing picture of distribution of motor transport emission in Moscow by vehicle types, by their environmental classes, by harmful substances (20 substances including such as benzpyrene, aldehyde), by territory (central part, motorways, residential areas) and by time of day.On the base of developed calculation method and the use of modified transport model of the city there was made estimation of motor transport emission in Moscow in the period from 2011 to 2014 taking into account change of motor fleet, changes in town-planning, in urban road infrastructure, in public transport system. These calculations gives the base for City Government policy decisions assessment.

On-line Tool for the Assessment of Sustainable Urban Transport Policies

European cities face increasing challenges to their citizens’ mobility. Urban transport systems are integral elements of the European transport system and are therefore of concern for the Common Transport Policy. Thus, the 2011 Transport White Paper calls for cities to implement a range of strategies to face these challenges - strategies include: land-use planning, pricing schemes, efficient public transport services, infrastructure for non-motorised modes and charging/refuelling of clean vehicles to reduce emissions – and encourage to develop Urban Mobility Plans (SUMPs) that bring all of these elements together.Tools and guidance documents are key instruments for the development of these strategies in order to help city authorities understanding the range of possible actions and steps to successful implementation. This paper presents an overview of the web based policy support tool developed in the European Urban Roadmaps study, supported by DG Move and underpinned by a range of stakeholders’ engagement activities.The aim of the web based tool is to support authorities of small and medium sized cities in Europe who may not have the resource to major policy assessment and modelling work. The tool provide the local transport policy maker with the ability to readily identify, develop, screen and assess different measures and policies scenarios, thereby enabling city authorities to quickly gather a sense of the scale of impacts that could be expected. It is adaptable to different city circumstances, covers all the transport/travel modes that are used in urban areas and provides quantitative outputs covering a range of different metrics, including costs and cost effectiveness, covering the time period until 2030.The development of the tool is complemented by the preparation of different road maps, designed to provide examples of policy selections that could be implemented by a city to work towards the European Commission goals for sustainable urban transport until the year 2030.

A Set of Tools for Making Urban Transport More Sustainable

There are six possible tools for making urban mobility more environmental friendly: more strict rules of the new urban transport policy, using advantages of connected vehicles, improving urban structure, showing better alternative for a car use, new financial sources for changing drivers behavior and the Business Model for cities wanting to have a green image. The new urban transport policy should concentrate on promotion of environmental friendly vehicles, equal access to public transport modes, better telecommunication services and better goods transport management. The Autonomic Road Transport Support Systems can change the street view: fights congestion by ramp-metering and better traffic distribution on the road network; autonomous cars densely packed when moving; no traffic signals, traffic signs, signposts and road painting; narrower carriageway means more space for bicycle routes, sidewalks, greenery and coffee gardens. Multifunctional and Intensive Land Use should be promoted to reduce travel needs or to make travel distances smaller (acceptable for walking or cycling). MILU will help also with urban sprawl – higher density means people are not car dependent. My Smart Eco-travel Planner and its database can be used for implementing sustainable urban transport policy in more efficient way. The main financial source for promotion of eco-friendly travel modes could be a transport policy rule: fuel prices can never go down – probably more effective measure than all Climate Summit 2015 results. Only during last 3 years changes in fuel price could result in Poland in gathering ca. 10bn € on the eco-fund for financing e.g. the new metro lines. Business Model (showing the cities their potential gains in result of above measures implementation) will help the cities authorities to vote for the new way of mobility management. Financial Div. of the City Transport Dpt. will calculate gains of the lower car use: lower costs of road construction and maintenance, new work places, shorter travel times, better environment, better inhabitants health and the Green City image – minus costs of the new system implementation. Measures mentioned above shape the new paradigm of urban transport management.

Polityka zrównoważonego rozwoju transportu miejskiego w krajach wschodzących na przykładzie stolicy Meksyku

Negatywne efekty zewnętrzne transportu stanowią bolączkę współczesnych miast, niekorzystnie oddziałując na procesy rozwoju społeczno-gospodarczego. Problemy te są widoczne nie tylko w krajach wysoko czy średnio rozwiniętych – w ogromnym stopniu borykają się z nimi wielomilionowe i wielkopowierzchniowe metropolie, które z kolei są charakterystyczne głównie dla krajów wschodzących, jak np. Chiny, Indie, Brazylia czy Meksyk. Celem artykułu jest przedstawienie wybranych aspektów polityki zrównoważonego rozwoju transportu w stolicy jednego z tych krajów – Meksyku – oraz określenie specyfiki doboru narzędzi zrównoważonego transportu wynikającej z różnorodnych uwarunkowań – przestrzennych i architektonicznych, pogodowych, kulturowych, ekonomicznych czy społecznych. W opracowaniu wykorzystano dokumenty źródłowe dotyczące zrównoważonego transportu w Meksyku, w tym raporty i dane statystyczne Banku Światowego.

Sustainable Urban Transport Policy in India

Autorickshaws are ubiquitous in Indian cities. They play an important role in urban mobility by serving as an intermediate public transport mode and providing taxi-like services. Despite their role in urban transport, autorickshaws have received limited policy attention at the national level, which has resulted in problems with quality of service and in environmental and safety issues. Given the critical need to promote sustainable transport in a rapidly urbanizing India, this paper presents key policy focus areas for the autorickshaw sector. These policy areas are based on a structured assessment of the importance of autorickshaws in cities, their role in sustainable transport, the sustainability challenges facing the sector and opportunities to address them, and gaps in the current policy framework. Available literature, government and industry websites, and surveys of stakeholders (regulatory authorities and autorickshaw drivers) were used in this research. The key findings include the following: autorickshaw services play an important role in sustainable transport strategies for managing private motorization and encouraging the use of sustainable modes (public transport); however, as an unorganized sector, autorickshaw services face environmental and safety challenges caused by engine and vehicle design issues that need to be addressed to ensure the role of autorickshaws in sustainable transport. A policy vision is presented to promote organizational reforms and develop sustainable solutions for fuel and engine and vehicle design, and recommendations are provided on the next steps for the central government in taking the policy vision forward.

Results of the Implementation Process Evaluation of CIVITAS II Funded Measures for Sustainable Urban Transport

The EU funded CIVITAS Initiative concerns ambitious cities that are introducing sustainable urban transport policy strategies. Within CIVITAS II, 208 measures spread over 17 cities were co funded as part of this programme. The aim is to achieve a significant change in the modal split towards sustainable transport modes. The project CIVITAS-GUARD has been established as the Specific Support Action for CIVITAS II to efficiently and professionally plan, realize, manage and control the following activities: Independent overall cross-site evaluation of the measures taken by the CIVITAS II cities including monitoring and analysis of the implementation process. This paper will be dealing with the implementation process and its relation to measure success to discover factors of success and risks to fail. The data for this analysis were generated mainly through a standardised online questionnaire, measure responsible persons filled in during the ca. 4 years of the CIVITAS II project life time. Additionally data were added from external statistical databases. Six different aspects influencing the success of a measure implementation and meeting the objectives successfully were distinguished in the analysis. The external measure background (size of the city, economic background, existing traffic situation etc.), the measure type (supporting or restricting specific modes, complexity, sensibility, etc.), the internal measure framework (target size and population, resources available and from where, etc.), the organisations and stakeholders involved in the implementation strategy and finally barriers and drivers occurred during the implementation phase. Based on the structure of influencing variable types above several results of the bivariate correlation analysis could be identified and will be discussed in this paper.

Sustainable Urban Transport in Pakistan: An Institutional Analysis

The study of transport institutions in Pakistan indicates that transport solutions are primarily a matter of the export of knowledge from the developed to the developing world, mainly driven by international development institutions. This transfer results in a mismatch of transport policy with local needs. The aim of this article is to explain this mismatch in urban transport capacity in Pakistan. By applying the theoretical framework of path dependence, the article explores how urban transport solutions in Lahore become locked-in over time as a result of weak institutional capacities in local institutions. The article concludes that the institutional field in path dependence requires full treatment for institutional change to occur in order to develop sustainable urban transport policies in Pakistan.